October 3, 2023 |
Seán McGirr has been named Sarah Burton’s successor as Alexander McQueen’s new creative director.
The Dublin-born designer was most recently the head of menswear at JW Anderson – previously he worked for Dries Van Noten as women’s designer and has also held posts at Burberry and Uniqlo (as part of Christophe Lemaire’s design team). McGirr graduated from Central Saint Martins’ prestigious Masters programme in 2014.
The announcement comes just days following Burton’s emotional final collection for the house, which marked the closing of a 26-year chapter for the designer – Burton rose from an intern, through to Lee Alexander McQueen’s right hand woman, before taking the helm of the house in 2009 after McQueen committed suicide.
Gianfilippo Testa, CEO of Alexander McQueen, said: “We are delighted to welcome Seán McGirr as Creative Director. With his experience, personality, and creative energy, he will bring a powerful creative language to Alexander McQueen while building on its unique heritage.”
François-Henri Pinault, chairman and CEO of Kering, echoed this excitement of McGirr’s arrival: “Alexander McQueen is a house we are passionate about, and we are confident that Seán McGirr will be able to pursue its journey with a new creative impetus. We look forward to opening this new chapter in the history of this unique brand.”
It is yet to be announced when McGirr will debut his first collection for the house.
Portrait by Robin Galiegue.
